National Youth Nonviolent Action Recognition & Heroism Award
🕊️ Program Description: Youth Peace & Justice Foundation Heroism Awards
The Heroism Awards program is a cornerstone national recognition initiative of the newly rebranded Youth Peace & Justice Foundation (formerly The Uvalde Foundation for Kids).
This program is dedicated to highlighting and celebrating youth and individuals who exemplify the Foundation’s core principles of nonviolence and direct action by making a direct, positive impact, particularly in the face of crisis, school threats, or community incidents.
Program Focus and Core Principles
The Heroism Awards are a critical part of the Foundation’s mission to address the pervasive "Culture of Violence" and empower individuals to be agents of change. The initiative specifically recognizes actions that demonstrate:
* Courageous Intervention: Individuals who are alert, intervene effectively, and help extinguish a potential threat, embodying the Foundation's Recognize, Intervene, Prevent (R.I.P.) philosophy.
* Nonviolent Direct Action: Heroism demonstrated through compassionate, organized, and effective action that prioritizes peace, safety, and the well-being of the community.
* Inspiration and Leadership: Honorees serve as national examples of the profound difference one person can make in shifting the cultural narrative from one of despair and violence to one of hope and proactive peace.
This award is not simply a recognition of bravery after a tragedy; it is a profound celebration of prevention, intervention, and the life-saving potential of conscious choice.
Expanded Foundation Statement on the Initiative
"We believe that true cultural change is driven not by politics or policy alone, but by the courageous, nonviolent direct action of individuals at the grassroots level.
The Heroism Awards celebrate those who possess the extraordinary vision, dedication, and tenacity to choose action over apathy and compassion over conflict. By highlighting these heroes, we aim to inspire every student, educator, and community member to realize they hold the immediate power to be a positive force. The individuals we honor are living proof that our mission is achievable, showing us the path from a culture of violence to a culture of hope."
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Past Recipients: Examples of Life-Saving Impact
The actions of our recipients clearly define the heroic standard we seek to elevate:
* Casey Orloski (National Student Hero Award Recipient): Casey was recognized for his alertness and immediate, nonviolent reporting of a potential school shooting threat. His decisive intervention, which extinguished a danger to his fellow students, proves that student vigilance is the first and most vital line of defense in community safety.
* Walker County Schools SRO (School Resource Officer): This officer, and others in this category, have been honored for their swift, professional, and effective action to protect students during a school-based incident. Their courage underscores the importance of selfless dedication, often placing themselves in harm’s way to uphold the nonnegotiable right of youth to a safe environment.
The Youth Peace & Justice Foundation is proud to amplify these stories to inspire a national movement of everyday heroes committed to creating safer schools and communities for all.